Worst. So You Think You Can Dance. News. Ever. Pre-season favorite and Adam Shankman tear inducer Billy Bell has withdrawn from season 6 due to illness.
I just got official word from FOX, who released the following statement from head judge and executive producer Nigel Lythgoe. “We are disappointed that Billy cannot continue dancing in the competition on the advice of his doctor and wish him a speedy recovery.”
Billy will be replaced by hip hop dancer Brandon Dumalo.
Looks like I’ll have the tissues out tonight for the Top 20 introduction show. There were few dancers I was looking forward to seeing more than Billy Bell. Hopefully he’ll be welcome back to season 7 with open arms, and without having to go through the audition process.
Billy’s family released a statement to SYTYCDism on his illness and withdrawal from the competition. We encourage you to read the entire statement at, but here is a brief excerpt:
We were all very disappointed when we heard the news and Billy was devastated when his doctors told the show that if he continued to dance on the show before he recovered, he could possibly die. It will take several weeks for him to recover and as a result, he will be unable to return to Juilliard as of right now. We are hoping he will be able to return in the Spring. Billy is still quite ill but was released from the hospital today. He’s feeling better but still needs to rest.
As of right now, Billy is hoping to re-audition for Season 7.
Our thoughts and well-wishes are being sent to Billy and his family for a speedy recovery and a return to season 7 of So You Think You Can Dance and Julliard.
–Abbey Simmons, BuddyTV Staff Writer
(Image Courtesy of FOX)
Contributing Writer, BuddyTV
